If you like Jazz, Condado is the place to be on the last Sunday of every month. That’s when Heineken sponsors Ventana al JazzFest — a free, open-air jazz concert that is a great way wrap-up your weekend.

Bring a chair or a blanket, and a cooler full of your favorite food/beverage, and make an evening of it — sitting under the stars, enjoying live jazz music, with a few hundred of your closest friends.

Where? When?

These concerts are held the last Sunday of the month at the Ventana al Mar park on Ashford Avenue, next door to La Concha Resort in Condado. The music starts at 5pm (on island time) and runs until 10pm or so.

The bands vary by month — some are just music, some have vocals. Most of the songs and talking by the bands will be in Spanish, but the music transcends language barriers. It is what I would call Puerto Rican jazz … mixing of Puerto Rican instruments with the jazz rhythm.

And did I mention it’s free?

Casual & Family-friendly

The Ventana al Mar park is a grassy field between Ashford Ave and the Atlantic Ocean. This is a casual family event, so dress comfortably, and leave the high heels at home. Bring chairs if you have them, as there are only a few places to sit (benches, steps, etc).

You are allowed to bring whatever food or drink you want to enjoy at the show, or you can purchase stuff there. There were a number of vendors selling food and various drinks (alcoholic and otherwise). There are bathrooms (porta-potties) available, but you may want to bring your own TP, just in case.

Traffic was heavy driving into the area from Route 26 even before 4pm. By the time we got there, there were already people claiming their spot on the lawn. There are a few parking decks and lots in the area.

We suggest you come in from the west (from the direction of Old San Juan), park when you find an open lot, and then walk. You will avoid a lot of annoying traffic.

Heineken Jazz Fest Coming at End of March

The annual Heineken Jazz Fest, at the Tito Puente Amphitheater in San Juan, will held March 21 to March 24, 2013. Visit the Heineken Jazz Fest web site for more information.